News

February 6, 2017 Council Meeting Highlights

Feb 07, 2017

Office of the Mayor

For immediate release – February 7, 2017

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Heritage Celebration Announcement

Mayor Lois E. Jackson announced that Delta’s 2017 Heritage Celebration will begin on Monday, February 13 and last through February 26. Part of the celebration includes a variety of family-friendly events like the Heritage Hunt, a colouring contest, live demonstrations of pioneer activities, and public displays. You can take part in these events at our recreation centres and at the Municipal Hall. Furthermore, Delta will recognize and honour Heritage Award of Merit Recipients at the February 20 Council Meeting. In addition to these activities, we are accepting applications from Grade 12 students for Delta’s Heritage Advisory Commission Scholarship. Be sure to check Delta.ca/Heritage for more information.

Notice of Reclassification

At the January 30 Meeting, Council resolved to start the legislative process of changing Delta’s classification from a District Municipality to a City. Residents in opposition to this initiative are invited to provide their thoughts by downloading the Alternative Approval Process Elector Response Form from Delta.ca, and return it to Delta Municipal Hall, Ladner Leisure Centre, South Delta Recreation Centre, North Delta Recreation Centre, or Sungod Recreation Centre by 4 pm on March 31, 2017. View the project pageat Delta.ca for more information.

Family Day Events

On Monday, February 13, Delta will be hosting a variety of Family Day activities. Head to either of Delta’s local arts centres to take part in the Family Canvas Creation, take part in the Family Fun Obstacle Challenge at Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre, or explore the other recreation centres as part of the Family Amazing Race. Drop-in family skates are also happening at the local rinks and the “Minute to Win It” returns to Delta’s aquatic centres. For more information, view the Event Calendar atDelta.ca.

DISCUSSION REPORTS

Annacis Island Traffic Management

Council received a summary of the impact of Annacis Island traffic management strategies, as implemented by Bylaws, Engineering, and Delta Police during 2016. Mayor Lois E. Jackson and Chief Administrative Officer, George V. Harvie hosted a town hall meeting in early 2016 to address the concerns from employees and business owners on the island. At the meeting, Mayor Jackson committed to alleviating the traffic congestion, which resulted in a variety of strategies, including: overtime funding for Police and Bylaw staff to create a visible presence during rush hour, amendments to Delta Highways Bylaw No. 6922, installation of a new traffic signal with “no right turn on red” at the Highway 91 southbound off-ramp to Cliveden, contracting traffic control services to manage traffic flow, and regular communication with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff. A number of business owners have expressed gratitude for the effort. View the staff report.

Adventure Playgrounds

Council approved the implementation of Adventure Playgrounds during the months of July and August 2017 at Grauer Park in South Delta and at the North Delta Community Park. These parks provide children with an alternative form of play by using their imagination and creativity to independently develop skills and to increase their social development. A staff Play Attendant will monitor activities, but not engage or instruct the children, unless to prevent a hazard that would result in harm. These playgrounds will use inexpensive and readily available materials, such as cardboard, wooden pallets, rope, plastic bottles, cans, and tape. Children are given access to paint brushes, hand saws, hammers, and other portable tools and use the materials to create their own environment. By introducing risk, Adventure Playgrounds will allow children to be inventive and increase their developmental capacity. View the staff report.

For more information on this news release, contact the Mayor’s Office at 604-946-3210 or e-mail mayor@delta.ca.